The “fire breaker” lockdown in Wales will hopefully provide a small amount of relief to NHS staff fighting coronavirus on the frontline, medics have said.

First Minister Mark Drakeford, announcing the lockdown, said there was a “very real risk” that the NHS would be overwhelmed if such measures were not taken to slow the spread of coronavirus in Wales.

Mr Drakeford said critical care units were already full and health and social care staff were being asked “to work even harder”.

The lockdown comes into force at 6pm on Friday and will last until November 9, with people told to stay home while pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops must close.

David Bailey, council chair of British Medical Association Cymru Wales, said: “Bringing in stronger restrictions in Wales at this point is essential – the surge in cases alongside the pressure that the winter season will inevitably bring and the huge backlog of patients already in the system is quite frankly an overwhelming prospect.

“Our members are deeply concerned about the ability of the service to cope.

“We hope the firebreak will stop the exponential rise and keep cases at a level where the NHS can cope, whilst also providing a small amount of relief to the staff who are fighting this virus on the frontline.”

Helen Whyley, director of the Royal College of Nursing in Wales, said members were “exhausted, stressed and anxious” about caring for a large increase of patients as case levels rise.

“I was pleased to hear the First Minister of Wales acknowledging the importance and the dedication of nurses in the NHS and social care, but to support them, following the restrictions is not enough,” she said.

“Testing for health and social care staff has to be accessible and results need to be immediate to ensure nursing staff are able to help and care for the people of Wales.”